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Emergency and uniform services | Government services
Police officers keep law and order, investigate crime, and support crime prevention.
You could get a degree in any subject and apply to the Degree Holder programme the Police Now graduate leadership scheme. Alternatively you could self-fund a Professional Policing Degree before applying to join a force. You are not guaranteed a job at the end of the course. Instead, you have to apply for probationary constable roles within 5 years of completing this degree. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent.
Volunteering
You can get a taste of what it's like to work with the police by volunteering as a special constable. You could also get paid work as a police community support officer (PCSO) before applying for police officer training.
You'll need:
In this role you could:
Once your training is complete you'll need to pass a probationary period as a police constable. There are clearly defined ranks in the service which you can move through with experience as well as taking additional examinations. There are opportunities to specialise in a particular type of policing, for example: criminal investigation department (CID), anti-fraud or road traffic drugs or firearms counter-terrorism air support or underwater search dog-handling or mounted policing With experience, you may be able to apply for promotion to sergeant, inspector or chief inspector. In the CID you'll also have the title of detective added to your rank, for example detective sergeant or detective chief inspector.
Housing policy officers research and develop policies for local authorities and housing associations.
Royal Air Force (RAF) officers manage teams of airmen and airwomen. They also carry out flying duties or work in specialist ground support.
Prison officers supervise inmates in prisons, remand centres and young offenders' institutions.
Criminologists look at the reasons why people commit crimes and find ways to reduce re-offending.
Prison governors manage prisons, remand centres and young offenders' institutions.
Civil enforcement officers make sure drivers follow parking regulations on public streets and in car parks.
Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.
Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?Please note: Ongoing start dates
Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?
Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction, or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday, and sick pay.
Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job – whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables, or building engines!
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